AFCW 0 Stourport Swifts 1

The late sending off of Stourport Swifts’ Alex Cowley didn’t limit the visitors as they recorded a win despite AFC Wulfrunians’ best efforts. Jamie Willets struck the only goal of a game which featured very few chances.

The game took a while to get going; with the first chance falling to Stourport’s Lewis Poutney- after 24 minutes- but he saw his header excellently palmed away by Jono Brown.

John Griffin had another good chance to put the visitors ahead after Ashley Parsons-Smith put him in behind the defence, but his shot went straight into the side netting.

Wulfs’ best chance of the half came courtesy of Stourport’s Kevin Spencer. Craig Gregg delivered a cross from the right which Spencer headed onto his own crossbar.

Immediately after the break, Stourport were again unfortunate not to take the lead. Parsons-Smith struck a sweet half-volley from the edge of the Wulfs area, but it brushed the post before going wide.

Swifts finally took the lead after 51 minutes. Parsons-Smith delivered a free kick from deep which Jamie Willets met powerfully with a header that left Brown with no chance.

A great cross by Scott Stevenson almost gave Wulfrunians the chance to equalise after 73 minutes. The ball from the left was flicked across goal by Jake Webb but Nathan Rose-Laing could not quite get a touch to poke it home from close range.

Cowley was sent off, with two minutes to go, for a second bookable offence after he brought Gregg down from behind after being cautioned earlier in the game.

This didn’t help the hosts, however, as their only other chance came from a Jamie King free kick which went straight at Brendon Bunn in the Swifts goal.

This was Wulfrunians’ first loss of the season and they now move on to Saturday’s game, where they face their first trip of the season as they visit Long Eaton United.